Category: Azer News

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Csaba Lejko, President for the CIS and Central Asia at John Deere and Chief Executive Officer of John Deere Walldorf International GmbH, and Peter Sachse, Vice President for the CIS at John Deere, on July 16, AzerNEWS reports.

During the meeting, the participants fondly recalled President Ilham Aliyev’s meeting with Csaba Lejko in Baku last year.

The guests noted that the development they had witnessed in Azerbaijan had made a deep impression on them.

Touching upon John Deere’s successful operations in Azerbaijan, Csaba Lejko expressed the company’s interest in expanding cooperation with the country.

The sides emphasized Azerbaijan’s significant agricultural potential, highlighting the application of modern technologies in the sector. They also discussed the state’s efforts to support agricultural development and underscored the importance of the recently adopted State Program in this regard.

The meeting also focused on prospects for future cooperation between Azerbaijan and John Deere, with the sides noting the broad opportunities to expand collaboration across various areas of agriculture.

Founded in the United States in 1837, John Deere is one of the world’s leading manufacturers of agricultural, construction, and forestry machinery. The company operates factories and offices in more than 30 countries.

The U.S. State Department has approved a potential arms sale to Saudi Arabia involving up to 20,000 precision-guided missile kits with an estimated total value of $1.96 billion, according to the U.S. Foreign Ministry’s press service, AzerNEWS reports.

The Saudi government had previously submitted a request to purchase up to 10,000 APKWS-II (Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System) laser-guided kits for air-to-air missile applications, as well as an additional 10,000 kits for air-to-ground missions. The State Department has now approved the possible agreement, with the total contract value estimated at nearly $2 billion.

The proposed deal also includes related military equipment, such as LAU-131 launchers, Mk-152 warheads, and other support systems. BAE Systems is expected to serve as the main contractor for the project.

The U.S. administration has formally notified Congress about the potential weapons sale. Under U.S. law, lawmakers have 30 days to review the agreement and decide whether to raise objections or attempt to block the transaction.

The planned sale comes as Saudi Arabia continues to modernize its armed forces and strengthen its defense capabilities amid growing security challenges in the Middle East. The APKWS-II system is considered a cost-effective precision weapon because it can transform standard unguided rockets into guided munitions, allowing for greater accuracy while reducing operational costs.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov departed for an official visit to the Russian Federation on July 16, AzerNEWS reports, citing the ministry.

The ministry said that, as part of the visit, Bayramov is scheduled to hold a bilateral meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on July 17.

The talks are expected to focus on issues related to bilateral relations and other matters of mutual interest, although the ministry has not disclosed further details about the agenda.

The visit comes amid ongoing diplomatic engagement between Baku and Moscow on a range of regional and international issues.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Kyiv is ready for a possible meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, with Trkiye identified as a potential location for the talks, AzerNEWS reports.

Speaking in comments reported by RBC-Ukraine, Sybiha described Ankara as one of the world’s leading diplomatic capitals, noting that Trkiye has repeatedly played an important role in facilitating dialogue between Kyiv and Moscow.

“We support Trkiye as one of the main venues where a meeting between Zelensky and Putin could take place. We appreciate the Turkish side’s readiness to undertake such a mission by organizing a meeting at the highest level,” Sybiha noted.

According to the foreign minister, direct talks between the Ukrainian and Russian leaders could provide significant momentum to ongoing peace efforts.

Responding to questions about Ukraine’s position, Sybiha said Kyiv has concrete proposals for ending the war and remains committed to achieving a peaceful resolution.

“Ukraine seeks peace. We remain committed to all ongoing peace initiatives, including those involving the United States. We also expect Europe to play a new role in these peace efforts. Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire,” he stressed.

Sybiha added that reaching a ceasefire could be one of the most meaningful outcomes of a meeting between Zelensky and Putin.

Trkiye has hosted several rounds of negotiations and diplomatic contacts related to the Russia-Ukraine war since the conflict began, positioning itself as a potential mediator in efforts aimed at achieving a negotiated settlement.

The registration process for the U-17 World Wrestling Championships, which will be held in Baku, has been completed, AzerNEWS reports citing the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation.

Based on the final list of participants approved by United World Wrestling (UWW), a total of 663 athletes, 272 coaches, and 64 international referees will take part in the prestigious competition, which will be hosted at the National Gymnastics Arena.

Overall, more than 1,100 guests are expected to arrive in Azerbaijan for the world championship.

In terms of the number of participating athletes, this championship will mark the highest figure in the past 13 years, while the number of represented countries will reach the highest level in the past 8 years.

The world championship, scheduled to take place from July 27 to August 2, will bring together future wrestling stars competing for victory in freestyle wrestling, Greco-Roman wrestling, and women’s wrestling categories.

The Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation is carrying out all necessary preparations to ensure the competition is organized at the highest possible standard.

Wrestling remains the most widely followed sport in Azerbaijan and is governed by the National Wrestling Federation, established in 1993.

A major turning point in the nation’s wrestling legacy came at the Rio Olympic Games, where Azerbaijan distinguished itself as one of only two countries to improve its medal haul across five consecutive Olympic Games.

Azerbaijan’s success continued in 2020, when its freestyle wrestlers finished third in the overall medal standings at the Individual World Cup in Serbia, capturing two medals, one silver and one bronze, behind leaders Russia and Turkiye.

Further highlighting the country’s strength on the world stage, Osman Nurmagomedov claimed the 92 kg world title at the 2022 World Championships in Belgrade, overcoming a Russian rival in the final.

Most recently, Azerbaijan added to its Olympic record at the 2024 Summer Games, securing three bronze medals in wrestling. Hasrat Jafarov reached the podium in the 67 kg Greco-Roman category, while Giorgi Meshvildishvili (125 kg) and Magomedkhan Magomedov (97 kg) delivered bronze medals in freestyle wrestling.

The country has earned a reputation for successfully hosting major competitions, from European and World Championships to youth tournaments, welcoming athletes from around the globe with world-class venues and hospitality.

Cities like Baku, Ganja, and others have become key destinations for wrestling fans, showcasing Azerbaijan’s ability to combine a rich sporting heritage with modern event management.

Trkiye’s exports to the European Union increased 4.7% year-on-year during the first half of 2026, reinforcing the bloc’s position as the country’s largest export market, according to data compiled from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TIM).

Trkiye’s total exports rose 3.6% in the January-June period to $136.1 billion, up from $131.4 billion in the same period of 2025. Exports to EU member states climbed from $52.1 billion to $54.6 billion, accounting for roughly 40% of Trkiye’s total overseas shipments.

The automotive industry remained Trkiye’s largest export sector to the European Union, generating $15.6 billion in shipments during the first six months of the year.

It was followed by:

Chemicals and chemical products: $7.2 billion

Ready-made garments and apparel: $4.8 billion

Iron and non-ferrous metals: $4.2 billion

These sectors continued to underpin Trkiye’s manufacturing base and its integration into European industrial supply chains.

Among EU member states, Germany retained its position as Trkiye’s largest export market.

Exports to Germany increased 4.3% year-on-year to $10.1 billion, followed by:

Italy: $6.8 billion

Spain: $5.6 billion

France: $5.3 billion

Romania: $3.7 billion

Istanbul remained Trkiye’s leading export hub for shipments to the European Union.

Exports from Istanbul to Germany totaled $3.89 billion during the first half of the year. Italy, Spain, France, and the Netherlands followed as the city’s largest EU export destinations.

Romania continued to rank among Trkiye’s top five EU export markets, with exports from Istanbul reaching $1.26 billion during the January-June period.

Trade experts say economic relations between Trkiye and the European Union are becoming increasingly strategic, supported by expanding trade volumes, investment flows, and deepening industrial integration.

As Trkiye’s largest export destination, the EU continues to provide a crucial market for Turkish manufacturers, particularly in the automotive, machinery, chemicals, textiles, and household appliances industries.

The ongoing restructuring of global supply chains is also strengthening Trkiye’s position as a reliable manufacturing and sourcing hub for European companies seeking greater supply chain resilience.

Analysts note that cooperation on the green and digital transition, efforts to diversify supply chains, and the potential modernization of the EU-Trkiye Customs Union could further deepen economic integration between the two sides.

Istanbul Chamber of Commerce (ITO) President Sekib Avdagiç said Europe’s evolving security strategy is increasingly shaped not only by military deterrence but also by industrial capacity, resilient supply chains, and technological independence.

According to Avdagiç, Europe’s efforts to reduce dependence on external suppliers in defense and advanced manufacturing technologies are creating opportunities for more selective and strategic technology cooperation with Trkiye.

He also highlighted energy security as a critical pillar of Trkiye-EU relations.

“Trkiye has become increasingly important both as a transit country and as a regional energy distribution hub in Europe’s search for secure energy supplies,” Avdagiç said.

He noted that Trkiye’s role in facilitating energy flows from the Eastern Mediterranean, the Caspian region, and the Middle East to European markets extends beyond pipeline infrastructure and has become an important component of regional geopolitical stability.

“Relations between Trkiye and Europe have evolved beyond the framework of traditional foreign policy into a multidimensional strategic partnership where security, economic policy, and industrial cooperation are increasingly intertwined,” Avdagiç said. “The relationship is now shaped not only by short-term developments but also by a growing structure of long-term mutual interdependence.”

The United States is considering introducing a financial deposit of around $100,000 for certain categories of applicants seeking a green card, AzerNEWS reports.

The proposed amount would not be fixed and could vary depending on the individual case. Authorities would have the right to set a deposit either below or above the $100,000 level. The U.S. State Department is reportedly planning to test the initiative in a limited number of countries, although the exact list has not been disclosed.

According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, the security deposit would serve as a form of financial guarantee for the U.S. government. It is intended to reduce the risk that new permanent residents may become financially dependent on public assistance after arriving in the country.

“The President [Donald Trump] has made it clear that those seeking to immigrate to the United States must be financially self-sufficient,” State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said.

Under the proposed plan, applicants applying for permanent residency through U.S. consulates abroad would be required to provide the deposit before receiving their green cards. The money could potentially be returned only after the applicant obtains U.S. citizenship, a process that usually takes at least five years for eligible permanent residents.

A green card – officially known as the United States Permanent Resident Card – is a document that confirms an individual’s right to live and work permanently in the United States without holding American citizenship.

Supporters of the proposal argue that it could encourage greater financial responsibility among immigrants, while critics warn that such a requirement could create an additional barrier for qualified applicants and make legal immigration less accessible. The initiative is expected to generate significant debate as immigration policy remains one of the most politically sensitive issues in the United States.

Ahead of Azerbaijan’s National Press Day, representatives of the country’s media temporarily traded their microphones and laptops for chessboards to determine the strongest players in an intellectual contest, AzerNEWS reports.

At the initiative of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, a traditional chess tournament for journalists was held, Trend’s correspondent reports. The competition was organized as part of the “Baku 2026 – World Sports Capital” project and was dedicated to National Press Day, celebrated on July 22.

The tournament took place at the AG AT Chess School, where 14 representatives from various media outlets competed in seven two-player teams. Over the course of seven rounds of blitz chess (5 minutes + 3 seconds increment per move), participants demonstrated not only competitive spirit but also strategic thinking, composure, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

At the end of the tournament, the team of Vugar Imanov (Trend correspondent) and Ayaz Gurbanov (Flashscore correspondent) claimed first place with 5 points. Finishing just half a point behind the winners were Ilkin Vidadioglu and Israel Kheyrullayev, who secured second place. The team of Iman Majidov and Seymur Bakhshiyev completed the podium in third place.

A special highlight of the tournament was the super match, in which the winners of this year’s competition faced Jeyhun Aliyev, the champion of previous journalists’ tournaments. Following two games, the experienced player once again demonstrated his high level of skill by emerging victorious.

The tournament’s chief arbiter was Ulker Umudova, while the opening and award ceremonies were hosted by renowned sports commentator Syanan Shafizade, who helped create a warm and festive atmosphere.

During the award ceremony, Gabil Mekhtiyev, Head of the Public Relations Department of the Azerbaijan Ministry of Youth and Sports, and Faig Hasanov, First Vice President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, congratulated the winners, runners-up, and all media representatives on the upcoming National Press Day. They emphasized the important role of chess in intellectual development, noting that the game fosters logical thinking, analytical skills, composure, and the ability to make well-considered decisions-qualities that are especially valuable in the profession of journalism. The winners and prize-winners were presented with valuable awards.

The tournament once again demonstrated that journalists are united not only by their commitment to timely and objective reporting, but also by their passion for intellectual sport, where every game becomes a true test of character, resilience, and mastery.

Iran’s Armed Forces’ operational command center warned the United States on Thursday of retaliatory strikes if Washington follows through on US President Donald Trump’s threats and targets Iranian critical infrastructure, AzerNEWS reports.

“Should the recent threats by the utterly empty-headed President of the United States to target the infrastructure of the Islamic Republic of Iran be carried out by that country’s invading army, everything that has remained intact due to Iran’s nobility – that is, all the infrastructure in the region – will be smashed by the steel fists of the Mighty Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, so that not a trace of them will remain, as if they had never existed,” a spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, said in a video statement.

Moreover, the Iranian military reiterated that it will not allow US interference in the Strait of Hormuz under any circumstances and warned of more severe attacks, “more devastating than ever.”

United States President Donald Trump said the US could target Iran’s power plants and bridges next week as part of a continued military campaign if Tehran does not agree to talks with Washington.

Trump made the remarks on Fox News, saying Washington would increase pressure on Iran in the coming days. He warned that strikes would be carried out “very hard tonight,” “very hard tomorrow night” and “very hard the night after,” adding that “next week it gets really bad.”

Trump said the larger targets would be “saved for last,” including infrastructure that he promised will be “knocked out” if Iran doesn’t come to the negotiating table.

On July 16, Mohammad Mustafa, Prime Minister of the State of Palestine, visited the Alley of Honors to pay tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the architect and founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state, AzerNEWS reports.

The Prime Minister laid a wreath at the National Leader’s grave.

Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa also laid flowers at the graves of prominent ophthalmologist and academician Zarifa Aliyeva, outstanding statesman Aziz Aliyev, and Professor Tamerlan Aliyev.